Años Viejos, Ecuadorian new year's eve ancient tradition

“El año viejo” or “puppet” for english interpretation it is like a rag doll made of cardboard, paper or sawdust filler, when it is burned, it represents a closing cycle that seeks to leave behind the bad things and bad experiences lived the last year or “old year”, but also welcomes a new year hoping for better. All Ecuadorian families begin this traditional ritual burning it exactly at 00:00 am in the new year. Usually the designs of these dolls are inspired by political figures, athletes, characters from TV series and movie.

Personajes de Madagascar

The Will

El año viejo’s will is a satire where jokes are told that sometimes involve family members or sometimes anecdotes of the puppet.

Quema de el monigote

The Widow

Like any deceased has his widow who accompanies and cries, El año viejo also have it..!! and she accompanies it until the last minutes before burning it. This widow is a man dressed in black dresses that puts more drama to the end of the year something very funny.

A giant años viejos contets has been held 5 years ago on the Malecon 2000 in Guayaquil city, it is organized by the mayor of the city. The winner of the last year recieved $ 5,000 in cash; the second $ 2,000; third place $ 1000 and the fourth to seventh place received $ 500 each. Each contestant was given a pass permission to have no problem in moving and $ 100 for transportation costs.

Finally, it is not known exactly and with certainty the origin of this tradition, some say that this custom was brought from Spanish since colonial times anyway … !!. Dear friends of our travel community, Danna Tours’s stuff thank you so much for your support in this 2014 and we wish nothing but the best and successes so … HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!

GO UP

Was this information useful to you?

Give us your opinion, what is the main tradition for new year’s eve in your country? Do you also burn años viejos? I hope this information has been helpful; join our contact list so we can be notified via email tourist information and tips about Ecuador; follow us on our social networks and help us with a thumb up.